How To Buy Hardwood Flooring May 2026

A softer wood, but prized for its deep, rich natural color and elegant grain. 3. Pick Your Grain and Grade The way the wood is cut changes the "vibe" of the room:

Made of a thin veneer of real wood bonded over layers of high-quality plywood. It’s much more stable and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for basements or humid climates. The downside? You can usually only refinish it once or twice. 2. Choose Your Species how to buy hardwood flooring

Planks (5 inches or wider) are currently very trendy. They show off the natural beauty of the wood and can make a large space feel more cozy. 6. The "Hidden" Costs A softer wood, but prized for its deep,

Professional labor typically costs between $3 and $8 per square foot. Final Pro Tip: Get Samples It’s much more stable and resistant to moisture,

Harder than oak with a more uniform, subtle grain. Great for modern homes.

Includes knots and color variations for a "lived-in" feel, while Select Grade is uniform and clean. 4. Prefinished vs. Site-Finished

Matching pieces for doorways and baseboards.